A Tenuous Title: Honor’s Latest Phone Edges Out the Competition, but at What Cost?

In a bold move, Honor has announced the launch of its latest foldable smartphone, the Magic V5, which it claims is the thinnest foldable phone in the world. Measuring an impressive 8.8mm when folded shut, the V5 manages to edge out the 8.9mm Oppo Find N5, a difference that is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. However, this title comes with a significant caveat.

The “Ivory White” version of the phone is the only model that meets this ultra-thin standard, as the other color variants are slightly thicker at 9mm due to their different material finishes. This subtle distinction highlights the delicate balance between design and engineering that foldable phone manufacturers must navigate.

But the Magic V5’s thin profile is not without its compromises. The phone’s triple rear camera module protrudes significantly, rising almost twice as high as the Oppo’s, which ultimately makes the device feel thicker overall. While the superior camera specifications, including higher resolution sensors and faster apertures, may justify the extra heft, it does somewhat undermine the “world’s thinnest” claim.

When unfolded, the V5’s frame measures 4.1mm, just edging out the Oppo Find N5’s 4.2mm. This is not entirely new territory for Honor, as the company previously held the title of the thinnest foldable phone with its Magic V3. However, the impending release of Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is expected to be even thinner, suggests that this battle of the millimeters is far from over.

Interestingly, the Magic V5 may also be the world’s lightest foldable phone, weighing in at 217g, a title it shares with Vivo’s recently announced X Fold 5. This minor distinction, however, is unlikely to be a significant selling point, as foldable phone manufacturers grapple with the challenge of generating meaningful hype for their future releases.

Beneath its thin and lightweight exterior, the Magic V5 is a powerhouse, boasting:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, one of the fastest mobile processors available

Up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and performance

Large 5,820mAh battery, providing extended battery life and compatibility with fast charging

120Hz LTPO OLED panels, delivering smooth and vibrant visuals on both screens

Wireless charging, for convenient and cable-free charging

IP58 and IP59 ratings, for enhanced dust and water resistance, rivaling non-foldable phones

The Magic V5 also features:

Triple rear camera setup, with a high-resolution primary sensor, a telephoto lens, and a wide-angle lens

Higher resolution sensors, including a 50MP primary sensor and a 12MP telephoto lens

Faster apertures, including a f/1.7 primary sensor and a f/2.0 telephoto lens

Advanced camera software, with features like AI-powered scene detection and enhanced portrait mode

In terms of storage, the Magic V5 offers:

128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos

Support for expandable storage, via a microSD card slot

The Honor Magic V5 is available in several color options, including:

Ivory White, the thinnest version at 8.8mm

Midnight Black, a sleek and premium finish

Emerald Green, a vibrant and eye-catching option

Lavender Purple, a unique and stylish finish

The phone is expected to launch in China first, with an international release to follow “soon.”